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Category: Front Page News Front Page News
Published: 19 May 2014 19 May 2014

Fire Information: (575) 388-8300

Acres: 5,740

Fire Start Date: May 11, 2014

Cause: Human

Location: 10 miles north of Silver City, NM

Containment: 75%

Fuels/Topography: Timber, grass/rugged terrain

Total personnel: 712

Yesterday's Actions: Meteorologists assigned to the incident management team advised there would be stronger winds than on previous days along with single digit humidity. These conditions resulted in red flag warnings by afternoon. Firefighters concentrated on patrolling the fire lines and successfully mopped up hot spots within 300 feet of the line. This action was designed to keep the fire in its perimeter. Crews and engines were assigned to initial attack responsibilities and stationed along State highway 35. Residents in the Mimbres Valley and surrounding areas were kept informed with updates on the Signal Fire by Public Information Officers assigned to the fire. A staffed information station has been available at the San Lorenzo corner store since Saturday, May 17, 2014.

Today's Actions: The Signal fire is being managed under full suppression strategy. Crews again are stationed along State highway 35 to address any potential spot fires that may arise. Due to very dry and windy conditions the dangers of torching, creating and lofting embers continues to be of great concern. Mop up is progressing and crews are vigilant for any sources of heat that could compromise the line. Firefighter and public safety remain the number one concern.

A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team has begun to assess post fire needs and begin rehabilitation of the burned area.

Weather: Critical fire weather continues for the Gila National Forest. Temperatures remain in the low 80s with red flag conditions. Winds gusting up to 38 mph were observed today.

Smoke: Westerly winds will bring additional smoke east of the Signal Fire area. Anyone sensitive to smoke may consider staying inside or get to an area with better air quality. For more information go to: https://nmtracking.org/fire

Information updates will be published once daily unless events require more frequent releases.

Information for this fire, including maps and photos, can be found at:
http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3864/
http://nmfireinfo.com